Chapitre 5: Suitors don't stop?
"Another suitor? Are they lining up at my door now?" Li Xian'er whispered to herself, a mix of sarcasm and resignation in her voice as she stepped into the hall. (As if choosing a husband is some trivial decision… Do they even care what I feel?)
She entered the grand room, where her grandfather and the latest suitor's representative awaited her. She straightened her back, putting on the polite expression she'd learned to perfect, though inside, her thoughts were in turmoil. (I'll just go through the motions… get it over with. But how long can I keep this up?)
"Li Xian'er, meet Elder Zhang from the Bai family," her grandfather announced, his voice filled with a pride she found almost stifling. "The Bai family has deep roots, and their young master is well-versed in the arts and powerful in cultivation."
Elder Zhang, an older man with sharp, calculating eyes, nodded to her with a polite bow. "Miss Li, the Bai family is honored at the possibility of this alliance. Our young master… well, he is unlike any other."
Li Xian'er forced a small smile, bowing slightly in return. "Thank you, Elder Zhang. I am… honored by the Bai family's interest." (Another alliance… another name to memorize. Do they even see me as a person?)
As the elder droned on about the merits of the Bai family, Li Xian'er's gaze drifted past him, toward the window where moonlight spilled into the room. Her thoughts wandered back to her encounter with the masked man the night before. The way he'd looked at her, touched her—it was unlike anything she'd ever experienced. It was as if he could see past the surface, past the titles and obligations, to the person she truly was.
Without thinking, she lifted a hand to her navel, her fingers pressing lightly, feeling the ghost of his touch. A shiver ran through her, her skin tingling at the memory. (Why does he have this effect on me? And why does it feel… like he's the only one who understands?)
"Miss Li?" Elder Zhang's voice cut through her thoughts, jolting her back to reality.
"Oh, yes—um, I'm sorry," she stammered, pulling her hand away and forcing herself to focus. "Please continue."
Elder Zhang gave her a knowing look, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he continued, "As I was saying, our young master is currently in retreat, honing his skills. He believes in dedication and discipline—qualities we know are important to you as well, Miss Li."
"Of course," she replied, though her heart wasn't in it. (Dedication and discipline… so much talk of strength and honor, yet none of them see the struggle within me. They only see what they wish to claim.)
Her grandfather beamed at her, clearly pleased with the prospect of this match. "Elder Zhang, we will consider this proposal with the utmost respect. I'm sure you'll understand our desire to make the right decision for our family's future."
Li Xian'er nodded, managing to keep her polite facade intact. But as she bowed and exchanged farewells with Elder Zhang, she couldn't help but feel like she was watching her life slip further and further out of her control.
When the meeting ended, she returned to her quarters, feeling the weight of her family's expectations pressing down on her. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it, closing her eyes as she took a deep breath.
(Another day, another suitor. But what about me? Does anyone even care what I want?)
Just then, a faint rustling sound came from the window. Her eyes snapped open, her pulse quickening as she looked toward the shadows. Her heart raced as she saw a familiar figure standing just outside the window, his silhouette barely visible in the moonlight.
"You…" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she moved toward him. "You're here again."
The masked man—her mysterious visitor—stepped into the light, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her breath catch. He didn't say a word, but his eyes held a depth that she found both unsettling and comforting.
Li Xian'er swallowed, feeling her heartbeat quicken as she approached him. "Why… why do you keep coming back?"
He tilted his head slightly, his eyes never leaving hers. "Because," he finally replied, his voice low and steady, "I feel you need someone… someone to see you for who you truly are."
His words hit her like a wave, breaking down the walls she'd carefully built around herself. She took a step closer, her hand reaching out, but she hesitated, unsure of what she was even reaching for. (He sees me… but why? What does he want from me?)
"Who… who are you?" she whispered, her voice barely audible as she searched his gaze.
He took her hand, his touch gentle yet firm, sending a warm current through her body. "Someone who understands," he murmured, his thumb tracing small circles on her skin.
Her breath hitched, her cheeks flushing as a familiar warmth stirred within her, igniting the energy that had been dormant since their last encounter. She could feel it building, her yang energy responding to his touch, spreading through her like a fire.
"I don't… I don't even know your name," she stammered, her voice trembling as she looked up at him.
He gave a faint smile, his fingers brushing her cheek as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin. "Some things are better left unknown, at least for now."
Li Xian'er's heart pounded, her pulse racing as he drew her closer. Her senses were overwhelmed, her body responding to him in ways she couldn't control. She felt the energy within her rise, intensifying with every beat of her heart. Her hand slipped to his chest, feeling the strength beneath his robes, the warmth that radiated from him.
But just as their lips were about to meet, a loud knock shattered the moment.
"Miss Li!" came the voice of the housekeeper from outside the door, her tone urgent. "Your grandfather requests your presence. There is… another proposal to consider."
Li Xian'er froze, her heart sinking as reality crashed back in. She looked up at the masked man, a flicker of desperation in her eyes. (No… not again. Why can't they leave me alone?)
But before she could say anything, he placed a finger to her lips, silencing her. His gaze softened, a hint of regret in his eyes. "Until next time," he whispered, then disappeared into the shadows once more.
Li Xian'er stood there, her heart aching as she watched him fade away. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she tried to steady herself. But as she turned to open the door, a single thought lingered in her mind, a question that refused to go unanswered.
(Who is he… and why does he feel like the only one who truly sees me?)
With a final sigh, she composed herself and opened the door, bracing herself for yet another suitor, another hollow conversation. But as she stepped into the hall, her mind remained on the masked man, her heart filled with a longing she couldn't quite understand.
Little did she know, her path was about to take a turn she never expected—a path that would lead her closer to the truth about the man who had captured her heart and the mysteries that bound them together.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone